Integrity Guards Self-Respect - Part 3

Endurance tells us to stand firm when we feel like retreating.  Endurance encourages us to remain mentally and emotionally tough when we feel weak and tired. Endurance gives determination to be spiritually committed, for then we can be assured that God’s purpose will prevail. Faith and trust enable us to withstand every evil deterrent Satan hurls at us.

As endurance stands firm, self-respect and self-esteem become more entrenched. A reality some believers find unacceptable concerns suffering and having difficult days. So many question the reason God permits struggles and strife to invade their lives, forgetting that Christ Jesus gave up his life for them.

It’s not that we should look for suffering because suffering pursues everyone. The apostle Paul encourages us to endure suffering with patience, for when God gives us a reprieve, we are blessed with confidence. Endurance builds tolerance by knowing joy comes in the morning after a dark night of suffering. For that joy we offer heartfelt thanks to God.  

Imagine the Possibilities: Take Action - Part 2

The issue of self-esteem has been a popular subject of numerous books and magazine articles. Self-esteem is related to the way you view yourself, what you think of yourself in relationship to the world, your perception of other people and what you think they think of you. Self-esteem is inseparable from your identity.

Your identity and purpose punctuate your uniqueness. The Apostle Paul instructed the church at Rome to be clothed, to put on Jesus Christ. To embrace Christ Jesus is a choice which assimilates all you are with the attributes and attitude of Christ Jesus himself. Amazingly, God gives you faith and righteousness when you accept Jesus as Lord of your life.

As you realize how gracious God is, it generates a yearning to love Him with all your heart and to love others as yourself. It is possible to love yourself as a child of God whose identity intersects with the righteousness of God. Though difficult to actualize such a choice, this privilege is made possible by God’s grace and mercy.